Chapter 42: Why the Emperor Sought to Kill Lu Xuan

For this eastern imperial tour to Luoyang, Emperor Liu Bang left Empress Lü Zhi in Chang'an to oversee all matters, large and small.

Liu Bang had full confidence in Lü Zhi’s capabilities. Having risen from a commoner to the Emperor, he understood a profound truth: no one is born with an innate ability to manage state affairs, lead armies, or devise strategies. These skills are forged through the crucible of war. Were his old drinking companions from tiny Pei County truly hidden geniuses who just happened to reside in the same district? No, that was far from the truth.

Take Xiao He, for example. Had he been appointed Chancellor back in Pei County, he would have lacked the capacity to manage affairs with such order. Or consider Fan Kuai, who once slaughtered dogs; had he been made a general back then, his only fate would have been defeat. Everyone’s abilities grew alongside him, evolving from weakness to strength through that long journey. Xiao He was like this, and so was Fan Kuai. Lü Zhi was no different. Having observed her closely over the years, Liu Bang knew her capabilities well and felt entirely at ease leaving her in charge of Chang'an.

"It is just... a hardship for her," Liu Bang sighed. The guilt he felt toward her ran deep. He wished only to treat her better now and fulfill his duties as a husband, yet he found himself burdening her once again with the responsibilities of the capital.

"Ying'er, when rumors circulated throughout the palace and beyond that I intended to make Liu Ruyi the Crown Prince, did you not feel a sense of resentment?"

The imperial carriage moved slowly along the well-worn imperial road. The Jade Carriage was the most prestigious vehicle used by the Emperor, reserved for sacrificial rites, grand ceremonies, and imperial tours. Constructed of wood, it was sturdy, solemn, and spacious enough to seat three or four people comfortably. Adorned with precious jade, its shafts and crossbars were carved with exquisite patterns to signify the Emperor’s supreme status. The canopy was circular, symbolizing the heavens, with a wide diameter to provide shade and shelter, its edges decorated with ornate tassels that fluttered in the wind. The wheels were tall with numerous spokes, ensuring a steady ride, drawn by six robust, pure-colored horses.

This tour to Luoyang included nine such Jade Carriages. Since the world knew of the assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang at Bolangsha—a plot orchestrated by officials close to the Emperor—Liu Bang was particularly cautious about his own security. Of these nine carriages, five were left empty, while the remaining four carried others: Lady Qi and Liu Ruyi, Consort Bo and Liu Heng, and finally, Lu Xuan, who sat in a carriage of his own.

Trailing at the rear on the left were Liu Bang and the Crown Prince, Liu Ying. Liu Bang was in high spirits for this tour and hoped to use the opportunity to spend more time with his son and strengthen their bond.

As Liu Bang looked at Liu Ying and posed his question, the prince replied without hesitation, "I harbor no resentment, Father. Whatever decision you make regarding the succession, you surely have your own reasons. If Ruyi were truly virtuous, wise, and possessed the qualities of an enlightened ruler, I would be willing to cede the position to him."

The nine-year-old Liu Ying sat upright, a head shorter than his father. His eyes were clear, untainted by guile, and his words were spoken with earnest sincerity. This left Liu Bang feeling deeply ashamed. Truth be told, he was quite satisfied with Liu Ying. The boy was nothing like him; he was a true gentleman, embodying all the noble virtues. In Liu Bang's view, no one in a position of such immense power would ever willingly relinquish it, yet he felt certain that Liu Ying was not lying.

If he truly chose to replace him with Liu Ruyi, Liu Ying would not hold a grudge. What a fine child he was. How could he have been so foolish in the past, neglecting a virtuous heir like Liu Ying while drawing closer to the future, albeit reckless and tyrannical, Liu Ruyi?

"I will never again entertain the thought of replacing you. This throne is yours, and no one shall take it away," Liu Bang declared. "Do you wish to know why I changed my mind?"

Liu Bang prepared to tell Liu Ying about Lu Xuan. From this moment on, he was determined to cultivate his son properly. He would interrogate Lu Xuan to identify any future officials who might disrupt the court, clearing the way for Liu Ying in advance. He would also seek advice on policies that would benefit his son’s reign.

"Father must have his own considerations and deep reflections; I am dull and cannot fathom them," Liu Ying replied honestly.

This answer left Liu Bang feeling stifled. He finally understood why he hadn't favored Liu Ying before. If Liu Ying were to be the sovereign, he would surely be a virtuous one, but in casual conversation, he felt far too constrained, as if the doctrines of ruler and subject, father and son, and the Rites of Zhou were etched into his very soul. Liu Bang, a man who cherished freedom, had naturally found this stifling.

"In truth, two months ago, a 'man from the future' appeared outside the Lin-hua Palace," Liu Bang began. "By 'man from the future,' I mean someone from times yet to come. To give you an example, in the eyes of King Wu of Zhou, you and I would be men of the future, too. Ha! Isn't that interesting?"

Liu Ying remained silent, feeling a sense of bewilderment. A man of the future?

Liu Bang stroked his trembling beard and continued, "Imagine if you and I were suddenly transported to the time of King Wu. Would he and the Duke of Zhou not be terrified? Now do you understand what a man of the future is? Because the Marquis of Liu feared this person might covet power or influence the Emperor’s will, we kept his presence hidden. Gradually, we extracted news of the future from him—including your own..."

Slowly, Liu Bang’s imperial air faded. He seemed more like a father now, casting aside the rigid formalities of court as he spoke with a gentle, approachable tone, recounting the events of the past two months.

Liu Ying finally understood. A man from the future, possessing knowledge of history, had arrived in the Han dynasty through some miraculous "dream." His father and the Marquis of Liu had learned of the future from him. His own future, he learned, was somewhat bleak—he would pass away young, failing to truly reign as Emperor.

A wave of sorrow washed over Liu Ying, though it vanished quickly when he heard his father mention that he had already obtained a cure from Lu Xuan. No wonder he had been required to take medicine recently.

"In any case, this is why I suddenly abandoned the idea of replacing you with Liu Ruyi and stopped visiting Lady Qi. I feel a deep sense of guilt; I have wronged both you and your mother," Liu Bang said with a sigh, feeling somewhat awkward. It felt as though he were confessing his sins.

He continued, "There is one month left. This tour to Luoyang is also for Lu Xuan's sake. Once the Marquis of Liu and I have obtained all the necessary information, we will return to Chang'an in a month. By then, Lu Xuan will have served his purpose, and we shall put him to death."

"Ying'er, Lu Xuan has committed no wrong, yet he must die. Such is the way of the Emperor. But you must recognize his contribution to our Han dynasty. Therefore, I intend for you to meet him before the end, to pay your respects and bow to him before he is executed."

As Liu Bang explained his reasoning, Liu Ying could not help but exclaim, "How can you kill Lu Xuan, Father? This is an act of injustice and inhumanity!"